THE sudden task of representing the country in the Basketball Champions League Asia and the taxing schedule that comes with it is just fine for Meralco.
Bolts coach Luigi Trillo is convinced that flying the Philippine colors in the June 9 to 15 tourney at a place yet to be announced is an honor for the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion amid crucial adjustments, including how the calls will be in the meet formerly known as the FIBA Asia Champions League.
“We’re honored to represent the PBA. We just have to make adjustments, right? We have to adjust to the way it’s being called internationally compared to the PBA,” Trillo said. “It’s very different. We have to get acclimated to our two imports.
“But with that being said, there are more games right now, and we’re okay with it. I mean, we’re just going to have to find ways,” he added.
That also means Trillo’s wards have to wind up their elimination campaign in the season-ending tilt before June.
“Six games in 20 days is not that bad. We also look at it as a bright spot. At least, you get your rhythm in. May chance naman. Maybe this one might be the hardest to stretch, because we have three games in five days,” Trillo said.
“But we’re going to have to count on everybody. We welcome that. We’re just being told and we’re going to be good soldiers, and we look forward to the PBA this month and then the Champions League in early June.”
Ditto with Meralco skipper and Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Chris Newsome, who is relishing a chance to suit up for the nation’s tri-colors anew.
“It’s exciting. Anytime you get to go out of the country, play international basketball, represent the Philippines, it’s an honor and for us to be able to have that chance, especially to represent the PBA and the Philippines,” he said. “It’s something that I would always suit up for, whether that’s in a Meralco jersey or a Gilas jersey. So, for us, it’s just about going out there, finding some imports, and then locking in on what we need to do. It’s going to be a different game, but I think that’s where I can help the team from my experiences. Playing in Doha recently with Gilas, we got a good sample of how those teams play in the Middle East and all over Asia.
“So, it’s going to be me and of course, coach Nenad (Vucinic, Bolts active consultant) has international experience as well. He’s coached out that way as well. It’s just going to be a collective effort where we’re going to have to bring all our experiences together, get the best team that we can together, and go out there and just play our best.”
